How to put your iPhone or iPad into DFU mode

How to put your iPhone or iPad into DFU mode.

On rare occasions, your iPhone or iPad can run into serious issues – possibly after a failed software update – that you can’t fix with standard troubleshooting methods. However, before you deliver your device to the Apple Store, there is one more thing you should try to do – reset your iPhone or iPad in DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode.

DFU mode on iPhone is an advanced recovery environment, similar to recovery mode, in which the system software of the iPhone or iPad is reinstalled from scratch. But it also goes a step further and repairs the device’s firmware, potentially fixing corrupted programming issues at the hardware level.

When You Should Enter DFU Mode

Resetting your iPhone or iPad in DFU mode will permanently erase all data on it. If you have a recent iCloud or iTunes / Finder backup, you can recover your lost data after the reset procedure. You can also get back any data, such as photos and contacts, that you’ve set up to sync with iCloud by signing in to your Apple ID later.

If your device shows up in iTunes / Finder when you connect it to Mac or PC, it is recommended that you create a new online or local backup before going into DFU mode and using it on iPhone.

What You Need to Enter DFU Mode

You will need a Mac or PC to enter DFU mode and interact with it through the iTunes or Finder apps on your iPhone or iPad. You must also have a compatible USB cable to physically connect the failed device to your computer.

Note. You need to manually download and install iTunes on your PC (if you haven’t already). ITunes comes preinstalled on the Mac, but has been replaced by the Finder app starting with macOS Catalina.

However, there is no reason to use the Mac or PC that you previously used to back up or sync. DFU mode does not require access to any files on the iPhone or iPad, so any device with macOS or Windows 10 will do.

But it’s a great idea to update iTunes or Finder apps to avoid crashes when using DFU mode. You can update iTunes / Finder on Mac with the latest system software updates through System Preferences> Software Update. On a PC, go to Microsoft Store> Downloads and Updates instead.

How to Enter DFU Mode

To enter DFU mode on an iPhone or iPad, you have to press different buttons, which change depending on the make and model of the device. The steps below can seem confusing – and tricky – to time them correctly at first, so you may fail several times before getting them right.

Unlike recovery mode, your iPhone or iPad screen will remain blank in DFU mode. If you see anything (such as the Connect to Mac / PC indicator) at the end of the steps, try again.

Note. The following instructions apply to iPhone or iPad, whether it is turned on or not.

iPhone 8 Series and newer | iPad without Home button

1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac or PC.

2. Open iTunes or the Finder app.

3. Press and quickly release the Volume Up button on your iPhone or iPad.

4. Press and quickly release the volume down button.

5. Quickly press and hold the Side / Top button until the screen turns black. Or wait until the Apple logo appears and disappears again.

6. Immediately press and hold the volume down button without releasing the side button.

7. Wait 5 seconds.

8. Release the side button, but continue to hold the volume down button.

9. Release the Volume Down button when the device appears in iTunes or Finder.

iPhone 7 series

1. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac or PC.

2. Open iTunes or the Finder app.

3. Press and hold the side iPhone and volume down buttons.

4. Wait 8-10 seconds. In the meantime, the screen should turn off or the Apple logo should appear and disappear.

5. Release the side button while holding the volume down button.

6. Release the Volume Down button when you see the device in iTunes or Finder.

iPhone 6s series and earlier | iPad with Home Button

1. Connect iPhone to Mac or PC.

2. Open iTunes or the Finder app.

3. Press and hold the Side / Top and Home buttons on your iPhone or iPad.

4. Wait 8-10 seconds.

4. Release the Side / Top button but continue to hold the Home button.

5. Release the Home button when you see the device in iTunes or Finder.

How to Use DFU Mode on iPhone and iPad

In DFU mode, select “Restore iPhone” or “Restore iPad” to start resetting your iPhone or iPad. iTunes / Finder will automatically download the latest iOS / iPadOS system software (usually 5–6 GB) and install it on your iPhone or iPad. It will also restore the firmware.

Note. Let’s say your iPhone or iPad automatically exits DFU mode during the boot phase. In this case, you will have to click the buttons again and wait for iTunes / Finder to finish downloading.

Do not disconnect iPhone or iPad while iTunes / Finder is actively reinstalling system software and firmware. This will render the device completely unusable.

If DFU completes successfully, select the Recover from iCloud Backup or Recover from Mac or PC option when setting up your iPhone or iPad to recover data from an iCloud or iTunes / Finder backup.

How to Exit DFU Mode on iPhone and iPad

If you want to exit DFU mode without restarting your iPhone or iPad, you need to force restart your device.

iPhone 8 Series and later | iPad without Home button

1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.

2. Press and quickly release the volume down button.

3. Quickly press and hold the Side / Top button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

iPhone 7 series

Press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

iPhone 6s series and earlier | iPad with Home Button

Press and hold the Side / Top and Home buttons until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

The Next Course of Action

Performing a DFU reset does not guarantee that you will end up fixing your iPhone or iPad. Some problems, especially those related to faulty hardware, cannot be resolved by restoring the system software and firmware.

If you are unable to enter DFU mode on your iPhone or iPad, or if the same problem continues to recur after performing a reset, you have no choice but to take your device for repair or replacement.

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How to put your iPhone or iPad into DFU mode

How to put your iPhone or iPad into DFU mode.